- England batsman Ben Stokes has been playing for Canterbury in New Zealand
- He is awaiting news on whether he will face charges over September brawl
- Stokes showed England what they were missing with 93 runs in Super Smash
- He scored at rate of nearly two a ball, but fell just short of a much-needed 100
Ben Stokes scored at the rate of nearly two a ball, but fell seven short of a century as he returned to form in his latest appearance for Canterbury.
After a spate of batting woe – he was run out after just one ball on Sunday and scored only two the weekend previous – the 26-year-old smashed six fours and seven sixes in his innings.
His total of 93 off 47 balls helped Canterbury to a 217/9 score in their Super Smash match against Otago in Christchurch.
Ben Stokes plays for Canterbury during his latest Super Smash T20 match in New Zealand
Stokes walks from the field after being dismissed for 93 in just 47 balls in Christchurch
Coming in at fourth, the Englishman helped steady the ship after Otago nicked two quick wickets in the third over.
He eventually fell in the last of the 20 overs – caught by Neil Broom off the bowling of Jacob Duffy, who took five wickets.
Stokes was dropped from England’s Ashes Test tour after he was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol on September 25.
The Crown Prosecution Service is assessing evidence from Avon and Somerset Police in order for a decision to be made on whether he should face charges over the alleged incident.
Stokes plays a shot against the Otago Volts, while he waits for the CPS’ verdict in England
The England batsman takes a drink during a break in the T20 match on Thursday afternoon